The 2013 Paste Holiday Compilation

It seems like Christmas traditions start popping up earlier and earlier every year, but finally Thanksgiving Day has come and gone—it’s time for even the most prudent rule-followers to break out the Christmas music. But that doesn’t mean you have to stick to that tired old playlist or those scratched CDs from the attic, and that’s where Paste comes in. We’ve collected a few seasonal tunes from our favorite artists, including some original compositions as well as covers of old favorites to spice up your holiday gatherings.

This year’s edition is a doozie, featuring tracks from artists like Sufjan Stevens, Bright Eyes, Good Old War, The Olms (Pete Yorn and J.D. King) and Little Hurricane. We’ve drawn from some killer compilations, too: you’ll hear Otis Redding’s “Merry Christmas Baby” from Mad Men Christmas along with David Mayfield Parade’s “They Shined Up Rudolph’s Nose,” which was originally recorded to provide help to Nashville’s homeless. To top it all off, you’ll find plenty more artists you’ve seen on the pages of Paste, from The Last Bison to Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors and J. Roddy Walston & the Business to Micah Dalton.

Listen and download thanks to our friends at Noisetrade.. Any tips given when downloading will be donated in full to Charity Water.